National campaigned on giving local communities more say – now it’s doing the opposite.

“Christopher Luxon talked a lot about empowering local communities, yet these changes strip away a key layer of local decision-making,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

“Regional Councils currently ensure communities have a say on public transport, environmental protection, natural hazard responses and waste management projects.

“Labour supports simplifying local government, but not at the cost of losing the voice of local communities. Replacing regional councils with Ministers or appointed commissioners shifts power further away from communities, not closer.

“National is also removing the option of polls or referenda to decide on local changes.

“The Government has already limited community input through the fast-track law. Taking away another avenue for local say will only reduce oversight and weaken accountability.

“This isn’t what National promised voters. Christopher Luxon is becoming more and more out of touch with what is best for New Zealand.

“Communities should be able to decide on their representation, not Christopher Luxon or Shane Jones,” Tangi Utikere said.

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